We want to shine a spotlight on a special coffee shop that goes beyond just serving delicious drinks. This is the Pipers’, run by pupils and parent bakers of Lathallan School.
Pipers’ is more than just a place to grab a coffee. It is a social enterprise that is entirely focused on giving back to the local community and supporting charitable causes. In fact, through Pipers’ alone Lathallan has donated over £30k since 2014. Every Friday afternoon during term time, the student team, led by a pupil that has been promoted to the role of manager, serves up fresh bakes and drinks for the school community to enjoy.
Mr Fernandez, Principal Teacher of Business Studies and Computing Science, who has been instrumental in overseeing the great work of Pipers’ from the start said;
“Pipers’ epitomises what our young people are truly capable of. The idea for the Pipers’ coffee shop came from an S3 pupil in 2012 through an idea generation session in class. The logo was created by another pupil in that class and has become such a strong part of the brand image.”
“Over 200 pupils have received Barista training and many have gone on to provide training to their peers. Pipers’ Coffee Shop is all about teamwork and all of the pupil group play a part in making decisions about how the coffee shop grows and develops. Creativity is also encouraged with the most recent initiatives of lunchtime openings and home-made milkshakes being pupil-led.”
“In the near future, we hope to start the Pipers’ Outreach initiative which will allow S6 pupils as part of their Leadership Programme to organise and run events that forge links with local community groups.”
What sets Pipers’ apart is the incredible benefits it brings to the pupils in terms of skills development. As the students work in the coffee shop, they gain valuable experience in various areas. Customer service is one of the core skills they develop, learning how to interact with customers, provide a friendly atmosphere, and ensure everyone has a positive experience.
Problem-solving is another skill that the students hone at Pipers’. They encounter different challenges and learn to think on their feet, finding creative solutions to any issues that may arise. This not only prepares them for future endeavors but also boosts their confidence in handling various situations.
Teamwork and communication are essential skills that Pipers’ emphasizes. The students learn to work together harmoniously, ensuring smooth operations and providing excellent service. They also enhance their communication skills by effectively interacting with their team members and customers, fostering a friendly and welcoming environment.
As the coffee shop is a social enterprise, the students also gain insights into finance and event management. They learn about budgeting and handling transactions. This experience gives them a taste of real-world business operations and equips them with valuable knowledge for the future.
Leadership is yet another skill that Pipers’ nurtures in its student team. They have the opportunity to take on leadership roles, guiding their peers and taking responsibility for the smooth functioning of the coffee shop. This not only strengthens their leadership abilities but also instills a sense of ownership and pride in their work.
Behind the scenes, we cannot forget to acknowledge the incredible parent bakers who volunteer their time and effort to make Pipers’ a success. Their dedication and baking skills are vital in providing the tasty treats that accompany Pipers’ great coffee.
So, if you find yourself in the vicinity of Lathallan School, make sure to visit Pipers’ coffee shop. Not only will you enjoy a cup of coffee and delicious treats, but you will also be supporting a wonderful initiative that empowers students, enhances their skills, and gives back to the community.